Interim Head of Sales

West Sussex 12 Month FTC - Maternity Cover September 2026 - September 2027 £80,000 - £90,000 + Car Allowance + 24 Days Holiday

An established and ambitious business operating within the retail sector is seeking an experienced interim head of sales to take ownership of its commercial function during a pivotal period of growth and transformation. This is more than a leadership role. It is an opportunity to shape commercial direction, inspire a high‑performing sales team, and make an immediate impact across both existing customer relationships and new business acquisition.

We are looking for someone who thrives in fast‑paced environments, can quickly establish credibility, and is equally comfortable developing strategy as they are rolling up their sleeves to win business. The role offers flexibility, with a blend of client visits, office‑based collaboration and the option to work from home one or two days per week.

As interim head of sales, you will lead the sales function with full responsibility for commercial performance, driving revenue growth across existing accounts while building a strong pipeline of new opportunities. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will play a key role within the Leadership Team, influencing business strategy and working closely with Operations, Marketing and Supply Chain to deliver ambitious commercial objectives. You will also lead and develop a team of four direct reports, empowering them to achieve their potential while building a high‑performance culture focused on collaboration, accountability and results.

Retail experience is essential. Whether you have worked within a retailer or have successfully sold products or services into the retail sector, you will understand the commercial realities, buying cycles and expectations of retail customers and be confident engaging with senior stakeholders. Existing relationships and an established network within the retail sector would be highly advantageous and will enable you to make an immediate impact.

• Taking ownership of the existing sales strategy, refining and delivering it to achieve ambitious commercial objectives
• Driving growth across an established client portfolio through relationship development, retention and strategic account expansion
• Leading new business acquisition, building a robust sales pipeline and converting opportunities into long‑term partnerships
• Developing and strengthening relationships with key retail customers and identifying opportunities to expand the business through your existing network
• Representing the business in high‑level pitches, negotiations and commercial discussions
• Leading, coaching and developing a team of four direct reports, creating a culture of accountability, performance and continuous improvement
• Delivering accurate forecasting, pipeline reporting and commercial insight to the Managing Director and Leadership Team
• Working collaboratively across the business to ensure customer promises align with operational delivery
• Maintaining a visible presence with clients and within the office, building strong internal and external relationships while benefiting from flexible hybrid working

You will be an accomplished sales leader who has operated at Head of Sales level, ideally within an interim or transformation environment. You are commercially astute, highly credible with senior decision‑makers and have a proven ability to deliver results through both strategic leadership and hands‑on execution. You'll bring:

• Significant experience leading high‑performing sales teams
• Previous experience managing and developing senior‑level direct reports
• A proven track record of growing existing accounts while securing new business
• Essential retail sector experience, either working within retail or selling into retail organisations
• An established network of contacts within the retail sector and the ability to leverage existing relationships to generate commercial opportunities
• Strong commercial acumen with expertise in forecasting, pipeline management and sales performance
• Experience contributing at Executive or Leadership Team level
• Excellent communication, coaching and stakeholder management skills
• Experience within logistics, fulfilment, supply chain or wider B2B services would be advantageous but is not essential

This is an outstanding opportunity to join a well‑established business at a pivotal stage of its journey, where your expertise will directly influence commercial success and future growth. You will report directly to the Managing Director, lead an experienced team, and enjoy genuine autonomy to shape the commercial direction of the business. Alongside a competitive salary of £80,000 - £90,000, the package includes a car allowance, 24 days’ holiday, and flexible hybrid working with a mix of office presence, client visits and the opportunity to work from home sometimes.